Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

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    Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau: Tours & Tickets

    See all tours & things to do in Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

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    5 historical facts about Auschwitz-Birkenau

    With the world distracted by war, the Nazis brutally reshaped the demographics of Europe in the south of Poland. The harrowing truth wasn't revealed until far too late, but here are a few of the many things you'll learn on your tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

    • Auschwitz-Birkenau is just one camp in a complex

      1. Auschwitz-Birkenau is just one camp in a complex

      Auschwitz-Birkenau – or Auschwitz II – was used as a death camp from 1942, primarily for Jews. Auschwitz I had already been holding Polish political prisoners for two years.

    • It wasn't all run by the state

      2. It wasn't all run by the state

      There was a third camp too. Monowitz – or Auschwitz III – was set up to provide slave labor for IG Farben. The Allies dissolved the chemical company the war.

    • 1.1 million were killed

      3. 1.1 million were killed

      90% were Jews, but thousands of Poles, Romani, Soviets, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals also died at Auschwitz. As did prisoners from other nationalities.

    • The world had no idea

      4. The world had no idea

      Not even most Germans knew what was happening at the camps. Arrivals were met with the slogan "Work sets you free." In hindsight it's hard to say how convincing that actually was.

    • The camp commander went into hiding

      5. The camp commander went into hiding

      Disguised as a farmer in Gottrupel, Rudolf Höss evaded capture for a year after the war. In spite of his expressed remorsed, he was hung outside the camp's crematorium in 1947.

    Planning Your Visit

    • What are the opening times?

      The Auschwitz-Birkenau museum is open daily from 8am except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. It closes at 3pm from December to February, 4pm in March and November, 5pm in April and October, 6pm in May and September, and 7pm from June to August. The site can be accessed for free but it is advisable to take a tour. If you decide to do so, book your tickets in advance. The best ones fill up very quickly!

    • How to get there from Krakow?

      The easiest way is simply to book an all-in-one tour that leaves from the city. Alternatively, inexpensive buses frequently leave from the basement floor of Krakow's main bus station. You can also take a train to the nearby town of Oświęcim.

    • When to visit?

      Krakow is a wonderful city with a great deal of attraction to please tourists. Though Auschwitz may be an essential part of your trip, it can be emotionally overwhelming. We recommend that you leave it till last.

    Good to know

    • When should I visit?
      Open daily.
      Hours vary based on time of year:
      7:30 AM-2:00 PM, December
      7:30 AM-3:00 PM, January, November
      7:30 AM-4:00 PM, February
      7:30 AM-5:00 PM, March, October
      7:30 AM-6:00 PM, April, May, September
      7:30 AM-7:00 PM, June, July, August
      Holiday hours may vary
    • Is it expensive?
      Basic entrance is free, but it is highly recommended take a tour which will have a cost depending on which one you choose.
    • Will I need a guide?
      It's not required but highly recommended. Best to book in advance online!
    • How to get there
      There are direct buses from Krakow. Alternatively, take the train to Oświęcim and then hop on local bus to the site.
    • Additional information
      Not recommended for children under 14.

    What people are saying about Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

    Overall rating

    4.5 / 5

    based on 50,639 reviews

    This trip Auschwitz-Birkenau was a very enriching experience, of which was expertly led by the guides Francesco and Lucina respectively. Francesco met us at the meeting point in Krakow and was very organised and helpful. Lucina was the guide at Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Her knowledge was superb and she explained in so much details the horrors that took place here. I highly recommend taking the excursion here if you visit Krakow- it is a truly humbling experience. This tour enabled us to see everything we wished and learn so much. Thank you!

    From Krakow: Guided Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau Reviewed by Aaron, 16/11/2020

    Paul exceeded our expectations of this trip although the experience was of sorrow with what happened at Auschwitz Paul was very informative and we certainly learnt alot with the information he gave us about Auschwitz and Kraków. Paul was very friendly and made us feel at ease as soon as he collected us we were made to feel like VIPs, he was very friendly and respectful and the vehicle was very smart, clean and safe.

    From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Transportation and Entrance Reviewed by Josh, 01/11/2020

    It's really hard even writing this review. I knew about the events that took place here before going but I had no idea of the actual scale of the place. I would recommend 2 days as birkenau is a massive site. It is worth the visit but be prepared as its extremely hard to visit. I'm a relatively big guy and even I cried walking round at the horrors that took place here.

    From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Entrance & Transfer Reviewed by Volt, 26/10/2020

    Auswitch and Birkenau. It was a touching experience. Paul, the driver, told us a lot about history, very interesting. We had a little book explaining the place as well as the guide.

    From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Visit and Transportation Reviewed by Jade, 26/10/2020

    Perfect choice for everyone who wants to save time and visit both places. Guides, transportation, and all other service were worth every unit of money we have spent.

    Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine: Day Tour & Lunch Reviewed by Anonymous, 24/10/2020

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